Meta’s Instagram has been blocking LGBTQ-related hashtags for months, according to reporting by User Mag. This was done under the company’s “sensitive content” policy as an attempt to restrict “sexually suggestive content.” The blocked hashtags included stuff like #lesbian, #gay, #bisexualpride, #transwomen and dozens more. Those hashtags don’t seem that sexually suggestive to me but, hey, what do I know.

The terms were hidden from both search and discovery for any users who had their sensitive content filter turned on. Teenage users have that filter turned on by default. When teens attempted to search these terms, they were directed to a blank page and a prompt from Meta to review the company’s “sensitive content” restrictions that hide “sexually explicit” posts.

User Mag’s reporting caused Meta to reverse course on these restrictions, after having been in place for months. The company called it a simple mistake and said that “it’s important to us that all communities feel safe and welcome on Meta apps, and we do not consider LGBTQ+ terms to be sensitive under our policies.”

The restrictions occurred after the company started hiding topics from teens as part of a larger “youth and well-being” privacy update. This was advertised as an effort to keep kids away from content that promoted self-harm. It’s worth noting that heterosexual content, even stuff that showed couples engaged in romantic activities, weren’t restricted in any way, according to User Mag.

“A responsible and inclusive company would not build an algorithm that classifies some LGBTQ hashtags as ‘sensitive content,’ hiding helpful and age-appropriate content from young people by default,” a spokesperson for GLAAD said. LGBTQ creators have long suffered under Instagram’s content policies, often experiencing shadow bans and having their content labeled as “non-recommendable.”

While Meta says it was all a big misunderstanding, promising to get to the bottom of things, this is only one example of the company throwing marginalized communities under the bus. The company just changed its “Hateful Content” policy, adding language that seemingly allows folks to brazenly attack gay and trans people. The company says that it's now fine to post “allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality.” It's worth noting that the word "transgenderism" has long been used by bad actors to purposely misrepresent trans identities as an ideology.

This is part of a larger effort by Meta to become more like the notoriously-thriving social media empire X. Meta just got rid of its fact checkers, in favor of community guidelines, and removed a mention in its Hateful Conduct policy that suggested online rhetoric could “promote offline violence.”

CEO Mark Zuckerberg has also been cozying up to Donald Trump. He’s been busy pumping money into Trump’s inauguration fund, flying down to Mar-a-Lago for chats, replacing Meta’s longtime policy chief Nick Clegg with a former George W. Bush aide and appointing UFC CEO (and Trump booster) Dana White to the company’s board.

Zuckerberg went as far as to explicitly indicate that many of the above changes were made because Donald Trump won the presidential election, calling it “a cultural tipping point.” He also called third-party fact checkers “too politically biased” and suggested that many of Europe’s laws against hate speech promoted censorship and make it “difficult to build anything innovative there.” Remember when he was going to fight Elon Musk? It looks like Zuckerberg just lost via submission to our new First Buddy without ever entering the ring.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/instagram-blocked-lgbtq-hashtags-and-treated-them-as-sexually-suggestive-content-200808209.html?src=rss

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© Unsplash / the blowup

NVIDIA’s Reflex technology just got a massive upgrade, as announced at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The company’s Reflex 2 kicks things up several notches, thanks to some software wizardry. The end result? A promise to further reduce gaming latency by up to 75 percent. In this case, latency refers to how quickly a game displays the reaction from a player's inputs.

Here’s how it works, and it’s pretty wild. Reflex 2 combines the pre-existing Low Latency mode with something called Frame Warp. This tech tasks the CPU to calculate the position of the next frame as the current frame is being rendered by the GPU. The CPU uses player input, typically via mouse, to calculate the upcoming camera position.

The tools then sample the upcoming camera position and graft it onto the current frame, waiting until the “very last moment to ensure the latest input is shown on screen.” This glimpse into the near future should “allow players to improve their aim and tracking of enemies.”

But how can a pre-rendered image exist on top of the current frame without creating all kinds of visual inaccuracies? NVIDIA developed a “latency-optimized predictive rendering algorithm” that uses data from prior frames to fill in any obvious gaps, so players will see a new frame with the updated camera position without any weird holes. It is, quite literally, warping the frame (thus the name.)

The company showcased this technology with Embark Studio’s The Finals, which will be one of the first games to support the toolset. The proof is in the pudding. With the game running on an RTX 5070 GPU at 4K with max settings, the latency was 56ms. The first iteration of Reflex reduced the latency to 27ms, while Reflex 2 dropped it all the way down to 14ms.

In addition to The Finals, NVIDIA says that Valorant will soon support the tech. The company notes that it has used Reflex 2 with Frame Warp to reduce the latency to an average of under 3ms. Reflex 2 will debut as part of the forthcoming GeForce RTX 50 series GPUs, with support for other RTX GPUs coming sometime in the future.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/nvidias-reflex-2-predicts-milliseconds-into-the-future-of-competitive-games-182213650.html?src=rss

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I lived in New York City for many years and absolutely loved it, with one major caveat. Packages got stolen, like a lot. This was especially frustrating for a tech reporter waiting on review gadgets and the like. Hyve Security is looking to solve this problem with its self-named smart lockbox, which it brought to CES 2025 in Las Vegas.

The Hyve is being advertised as “the first branded smart lockbox” and can be secured to the front of a house or apartment via a quarter-inch carbon fiber tether. Carbon fiber is notoriously difficult to cut, so that’s one security measure.

The lockbox also ships with an accelerometer and a “shrieking” alarm that will go off if the device is moved or tampered with. The box’s owner will receive an alert in this instance. Neighbors, friends and family will also receive alerts if they opt-in to the community service. The Hyve app will integrate with many current smart home security systems for even more protection.

Hyve Security

It’s weather-proof, which is handy for something that will likely be housed outside, and includes a photo window for drivers to snap a picture of the package nestled safely inside the pod. This is also useful for retailers, as they can be relatively certain that a package was successfully delivered to its intended owner. The app can even be used to send out pings to nearby delivery trucks in the case of a pending return.

It operates via a combination of battery and solar power. The company claims it can run for 18 months without requiring a charge.

The obvious use case here is to prevent porch-based theft, which is great. However, Hyve Security says that wide adoption of these lockboxes can eventually allow retailers to ship items without so much wasteful packaging. The Hyve costs $300 and officially goes on sale in June.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/the-hyve-package-security-box-should-protect-deliveries-from-dreaded-porch-pirates-170016213.html?src=rss

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The list of titles coming to Game Pass this month is a bit on the paltry side, aside from one massive exception. The original 1996 Diablo hits PC Game Pass on January 14, so those of us who have been living under a rock since Bill Clinton’s first term can finally see what all of the fuss is about.

What can I say about Diablo that hasn’t been said already? It’s the OG action-RPG that basically defined the genre. It’s a legitimate classic. There’s a reason why the franchise is still going strong deep into the 21st century. The battles are intense, the progression is satisfying and the character customization options are just as deep now as they were in the 1990s.

This isn’t the first time that the game has been re-released. Blizzard and GOG struck a deal back in 2019 to bring the title to the latter’s digital gaming marketplace. However, this is the first time it’s been free-ish, assuming a pre-existing PC Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Diablo is, by a huge margin, the most notable Game Pass release for January, but it’s not the only one. The post-apocalyptic farming sim My Time at Sandrock will be available on January 8 and EA Sports UFC 5 will be playable on January 14.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/the-original-diablo-hits-pc-game-pass-on-january-14-161519350.html?src=rss

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German Bionic, the robot exoskeleton startup behind the lightweight Apogee exosuit, just revealed the Apogee Ultra at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. This powered exoskeleton is intended to help people complete jobs that require heavy lifting or advanced movement.

To that end, it offers dynamic lifting support of up to 80 pounds. This means that it can lift the entire thing or help a bit when people need it, sort of like how rider assist works with electric bikes. The company says “it makes physically demanding tasks feel effortless” and that lifting 70 pounds will feel like nine or ten pounds for the lower back.

German Bionic

The exoskeleton has also been designed to help with walking long distances, which is often required in large warehouses where this kind of technology would be most useful. German Bionic says this walking assist feature will make a trip of ten miles feel like eight. The Apollo Ultra will even offer a bit of assistance when completing tasks that require people to bend over for prolonged periods of time.

The device is filled with some advanced software, which helps with the whole “dynamic” thing mentioned above. The “highly adaptive” system adjusts to the needs of each individual user via machine learning algorithms. These algorithms have been trained on “vast amounts of high quality, relevant data collected from thousands of users.”

The exoskeleton integrates with a proprietary app, allowing people to view performance metrics like steps taken, usage time and weight lifted. The app has also been designed with feedback in mind, as there’s an easy way to contact the company to deliver insights. This should allow for continuous improvement as more people don the suit.

This exoskeleton is perfectly positioned for industrial work and for health care, as medical professionals often need a bit of help to lift patients. The Apogee Ultra is available for preorder right now, but it’ll likely empty out that bank account. We don’t have a specific price, but the lower-tech Apogee+ exoskeleton costs $9,900. The company does offer monthly payment plans for bulk purchases by commercial entities.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/german-bionics-new-apogee-ultra-exoskeleton-can-lift-up-to-80-pounds-and-help-with-walking-140031689.html?src=rss

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Razer brought a fancypants monitor stand to CES 2025 in Las Vegas, and this one features RGB lights. The Chroma stand is an ergonomic unit built from anodized aluminum, with a sleek black matte finish. It can support up to 44 pounds, which should easily accommodate most monitors.

The integrated RGB lighting supports up to 16.8 million colors and can run a series of lighting effects. Users create custom lighting profiles which can be cycled through via a remappable button. This button can also be used for other purposes, like launching applications or muting audio. Of course, it syncs up with other Chroma-capable devices to “create a cohesive, immersive aesthetic.” Yay, lighting!

Razer

Even if you hate custom lighting, there’s one thing we can all agree on. There are simply not enough ports in the world for all of our many gadgets. To that end, the Chroma Stand includes a built-in 4-port hub that connects via a single USB-C cable. The available ports include a pair of USB-A inputs, a single USB-C and an HDMI.

It doesn’t offer any adjustment capabilities, but the stand does include anti-slip rubber pads on the bottom for stability. There’s also an open space underneath, which is perfect for smartphones, laptops and other gadgets. The Razer Monitor Stand Chroma costs $200 and pre-orders are open right now.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/razer-made-a-monitor-stand-with-rgb-lights-because-of-course-it-did-140029786.html?src=rss

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Netgear just announced a new Wi-Fi 7 mesh router system called the Orbi 870, joining the pre-existing 970 and 770. The company says that the latest system “offers the perfect balance of performance, coverage, and security.”

To that end, the Orbi 870 offers tri-band speeds up to 21Gbps and all kinds of modern bells and whistles. These include enhancements like support for the latest 320MHz bandwidth and 4K QAM, which squeezes more data into traditional transmissions. This looks to be a fairly future-proof router system.

Netgear also touts the reliability of this device, thanks to an enhanced backhaul that combines 5GHz and 6GHz into a single band. Of course, there are plenty of wired connectivity options here. There’s a 10 gigabit internet port and four 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports on the router. Additionally, each satellite includes four Ethernet ports.

Netgear

Like most Netgear mesh systems, adjustments can be made via the Orbi app. This lets users pause the internet, run speed tests, track usage and set up separate networks for guests. This app also allows access to parental controls.

The Netgear Orbi 870 system is available in black or white. A three-pack that includes the router and two satellites costs $1,300, while a two-pack costs $1,000. Additional satellites can be purchased for $550 each. This is expensive, to be sure, but an actual bargain when compared to the slightly higher-end Orbi 970 system.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/netgears-orbi-870-mesh-router-system-is-a-great-way-to-join-the-wi-fi-7-bandwagon-133031270.html?src=rss

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CES 2025 announcements include a new trio of Acer Predator gaming laptops that are packed with high-end specs. While they all come in at different price points and with different features, they all will be packed with NVIDIA RTX-50 series GPUs.

The baddest of the bunch is the Predator Helios 18 AI. As the name suggests, this notebook features a massive 18-inch 4K Mini LED display with a standard refresh rate of 120Hz. But a new dual-mode display feature will let users switch to FHD resolution at 240Hz as well. The brightness metrics are decent, at up to 1000 nits.

Acer

The Helios 18 AI is available with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and up to the NVIDIA GeForce 5090 GPU. It also includes a dedicated NPU for AI tasks, which allows for “premium graphical gaming and AI experiences.” To the latter point, this laptop ships with more than 150 optimized AI apps, including many popular LLMs and image generators.

Users can soup this beast up with up to 192GB of RAM and up to 6TB of PCIe storage. The cooling tools have also been improved, as the laptop feature's Acer’s proprietary 6th-gen AeroBlade metal fans, which boost airflow by around 20 percent when compared to plastic fans. Purchasers also get Acer’s swappable MagKey 4.0 keyboard. The Predator Helios 18 AI will be available in the US in May, with a starting price of $3,000.

The Helios 16 AI is pretty much the same laptop as the 18 AI, with an identical cooling system, MagKey 4.0 keyboard and the same available CPU and GPU options. The display is smaller, at 16-inches, and this one is an OLED panel with a refresh rate up to 240Hz. The memory takes a hit here, with configuration options up to 64GB of RAM. Storage caps out at 4TB. The Predator Helios 16 AI will be available in the US in June, with a starting price of $2,300.

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The Predator Helios Neo 16S AI is the most budget-friendly of the bunch, while still retaining high-end features. This is a slim laptop, at just 19.9mm. It also supports CPU options up to the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX with an integrated NPU and includes the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU. It can be outfitted with up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of storage.

The laptop comes with a 16-inch OLED WQXGA screen with up to a 240Hz refresh rate, a 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut and integration with NVIDIA G-Sync. The price is where this computer really shines. It starts at just $1,700, with availability beginning in April.

Acer

In addition to the trio of laptops, Acer unveiled the Predator XB323QX gaming monitor. This 31.5-inch 5K IPS display boasts a 144Hz refresh rate and a 0.5ms response time. It supports NVIDIA G-Sync Pulsar, with 10-bit color depth and a 95 percent DCI-P3 color gamut. On the back, there’s a DisplayPort 1.4 and a pair of HDMI 2.1 ports. It features adjustable tilt, swivel and height and comes with an integrated two-watt speaker system. There’s no pricing or availability information on this one yet.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/acers-latest-predator-gaming-laptops-include-nvidia-rtx-50-series-gpus-040018607.html?src=rss

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CES is known for putting the spotlight on wacky innovations and Eufy came prepared for this year’s event. The company just revealed its E20 robot vacuum, which can actually transform from a traditional robovac to a manually-controlled stick vac. This is the first time we’ve seen something like this. Some robovacs include additional stick vacuums, but do not transform into them.

The design seems simple. On the outside, it looks similar to competing robot vacuums from companies like Roomba. However, users can simply remove the vacuum module, which includes a motor and a filtration system, and pop it onto a stick attachment. It also comes with a handheld vacuum attachment, which works in a similar way. The company says transformations can be made “at any time without damage to the machine or sacrificing performance.” My bedroom rug, which is more cat hair than fiber at this point, would very much like to test that. 

Eufy

It also includes some modern robovac accoutrements, like a base station that automatically empties debris. The company says the bin is large enough to handle 75 days of cleaning before requiring a manual trip to the garbage can. The vacuum ships with the company’s proprietary obstacle avoidance tech, which can identify and avoid items as small as 15mm. Did we mention it also transforms at will? Technological tomfoolery at its finest.

The battery life here seems on point, with Eufy claiming it’ll clean for three hours before needing to charge. To that end, it can fully charge in around two and a half hours. The E20 will be available on February 10 and will cost $550. That’s actually fairly budget-friendly when compared to some of the newer robovacs heading to market, and those don’t transform at all.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/eufys-new-robot-vacuum-can-transform-into-a-stick-vac-030042390.html?src=rss

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Anker has a major presence at CES 2025, as the company has revealed a whole bunch of wild and wacky products. One such item is a newly-announced solar electric cooler, which is basically like a portable refrigerator/freezer combo.

The Anker Solix EverFrost cooler is available in three sizes, from 23L to 58L, and uses air-cooled refrigeration technology for “faster and precise cooling.” To that end, Anker promises that these units cool more than 20 percent faster than rival products and allow for accurate temperature regulation from -4 degrees to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

That’s right. The temperature range is vast enough to refrigerate and freeze items. The largest model even has two independent compartments to do both at once. That’s pretty handy. There could be one side for beverages and another side for those all-important ice cubes.

There are plenty of high-tech bells and whistles here. As stated before, this is a solar electric cooler. That means the detachable batteries can charge via an integrated 100W solar panel or by plugging into a standard power outlet. The batteries can also double as power banks for charging up smartphones and the like.

Anker

As for usage limits, Anker says these coolers can run for 52 hours with a single battery and up to 104 hours with two batteries. As you can see above, there's room enough for a pair of batteries. There’s also a proprietary app that lets people keep track of battery life and internal temperature.

The EverFrost coolers include large six-inch wheels that can “overcome obstacles on rough terrain” and an IPX3 waterproof rating. However, portable solar-powered refrigeration doesn’t come cheap. Pricing starts at $700 for the smallest model and goes up to $1,000. The coolers will be available for purchase on February 21.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/ankers-everfrost-coolers-can-chill-or-freeze-food-using-only-solar-power-030028037.html?src=rss

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Anker announced a new wall charger at CES 2025 and this 140W model includes a nifty display for keeping track of various metrics. The screen will show power usage per port, temperature and fast-charge status. This is just the latest Anker charger (and one of the smallest) to have a screen built in as the company has been adding them to a number of its chargers and power banks over the past year or so.

The screen even displays something Anker is calling an odometer, which measures lifetime usage in hours. The diminutive charger boasts a surprising number of ports, which is always useful. All told, there are three USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. The design also makes it less prone to falling and loosening when plugged in.

The Anker 3C1A supports multiple fast-charging options, including PD3.1 and UFCS, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. Could this be the mythical “one charger to rule them all?” That depends on pricing, and the company is remaining mum for now. We also don't know when this thing will be available for purchase, though we'll likely find out soon enough. 

Anker

Anker also announced a new power bank with retractable cables. That’s a really neat idea, but a bit risky since cables can easily fail. Anker thought of this, as the device includes additional standard ports. This power bank also boasts a display, similar to the charger, and offers support for fast charging.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/anker-announces-new-140w-wall-charger-with-a-handy-built-in-display-at-ces-2025-030027200.html?src=rss

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Hisense just introduced its first consumer microLED television at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. The 136MX includes a high-density array of over 24.88 microscopic LEDs to “deliver unparalleled brightness, resolution, and precision.” As with all microLED displays, each pixel is its own light source. This allows for a near-infinite dynamic contrast ratio, with fantastic brightness and deep blacks. It's also a big ole beast, at 136 inches. 

The TV is powered by the company’s proprietary Hi-View AI Engine X chipset, which uses AI algorithms for frame optimization. This should allow for ultra-precise color conversion and improved clarity even in well-lit spaces. To that end, the brightness levels here reach up to 10,000 nits, with a 95 percent color gamut.

It supports Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ and something called Filmmaker Mode that optimizes picture quality to “match both the content and environment, ensuring a cinematic experience in any setting.” As for audio, the 136MX supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X. These sets run the company’s VIDAA operating system, so there’s access to all of the major streaming platforms right out of the box. It also pairs with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls.

For gamers, the 136MX includes features like 120Hz VRR, an auto low latency mode and FreeSync Premium Pro. We don’t have pricing or availability for this yet, but we’ll keep you posted. Hisense also announced a gigantic 116-inch TriChroma LED TV at this year’s CES event.

The lack of pricing here is something of a bummer, as microLED displays are typically extremely expensive. It would be nice if Hisense got the price down for regular consumers, but this is unlikely given the TV's massive size. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/hisense-introduces-its-first-ever-consumer-microled-tv-194057452.html?src=rss

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AMD’s CES 2025 presser is nearly upon us and rumors are swirling about new graphics cards, CPUs and more. (Follow Engadget's CES 2025 liveblog for real-time updates from the show.) The company regularly uses CES to promote upcoming chips and this year should be no different. To that end, the organization unveiled the AI-centric Ryzen 8000G desktop chips at CES 2024.

What to expect at the AMD CES 2025 press conference

Rumors have been flying for weeks regarding AMD’s probable CES 2025 announcements. There’s a safe bet that the company will reveal its new RX 9070 XT graphics cards. These will likely be based on the new RDNA 4 architecture and should operate as a great mid-range GPU option.

It’s also probable that AMD will finally announce the long-awaited next-gen 50-series GeForce RTX GPUs. The company typically sticks to laptop components during CES, but it’ll likely break tradition to unveil these desktop chips.

It’s been rumored that the company will even present the Strix Halo mobile chip. This one is expected to bring a 40 compute unit GPU onto a single die alongside the CPU. This could translate to smaller and lighter gaming laptops, without sacrificing power. Finally, some folks have been reporting that AMD will unveil a new gaming handheld CPU that could be a direct follow up to the Ryzen Z1 Extreme. The Z1 Extreme currently powers stuff like the Asus ROG Ally X and the Lenovo Legion Go.

AMD CES 2025 livestream

You can watch the AMD CES press conference as it happens below. The feed will start Monday, January 6 at 2PM ET.

Still to come at CES press day: Samsung, Sony and NVIDIA (among others). 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/amd-ces-2025-press-conference-watch-it-here-today-at-2pm-et-182557163.html?src=rss

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© Unsplash / Olivier Collet

Disney and Fubo have reached an agreement to merge Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, the companies announced via a press release. This will create a new entity that Disney owns 70 percent of, with Fubo taking up the remaining 30 percent. Once combined, the service will boast over six million subscribers, making it the second-biggest digital pay-TV provider behind YouTube TV.

This deal only includes Hulu + Live TV, and not the traditional Hulu subscription, as noted by Bloomberg. The combined business will operate under Fubo, with current management staying on, though both FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV will continue to stream as separate entities. The new business will also negotiate carriage agreements with content providers without help from Disney.

Fubo plans on creating a new live streaming service dedicated exclusively to sports, which will leverage Disney’s contracts and broadcast networks like ABC and ESPN. As part of this deal, Fubo will drop all legal claims against the company regarding Venu Sports.

Venu is a forthcoming sports-focused streaming service that will air content from Disney/ESPN, Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox. The multi-company streamer was supposed to launch last fall, but has been delayed due to an antitrust suit brought forth by Fubo. A hearing was scheduled for January 6, so this merger announcement certainly has auspicious timing.

Today's deal means that Venu Sports could once again be coming soon. An unnamed source told The Hollywood Reporter that this is likely the plan, but we don’t know if or when it will become available.

The agreement also includes new distribution rights between Fubo and Disney, in which the former will be allowed to offer a bundle built around ESPN and ABC. Additionally, Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery will pay Fubo $220 million, with Disney loaning the company an additional $145 million.

The merger is expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months, pending regulatory approval. There’s a clause in the contract that mandates Disney pay Fubo $130 million if the transaction fails to close for any number of reasons.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/disney-to-merge-hulu--live-tv-with-fubo-challenging-youtube-tv-163627571.html?src=rss

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Ecobee introduced a new smart thermostat at CES 2025 and it looks pretty nifty. The Smart Thermostat Essential is packed with most of the features found with the $250 premium model, only with a price tag of $130.

There’s a full-color touchscreen for making adjustments, though that can also be done via the Ecobee mobile app. The app will send alerts to “prevent heating and cooling disruptions” and will even whip up a comprehensive home energy report each month to provide a macro look at energy usage. This is a modern smart thermostat, so customers can also use smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit for the aforementioned adjustments.

Ecobee

Ecobee says the Smart Thermostat Essential is packed with software that will automatically learn how long it takes to heat and cool the home, which will then inform the device of how much energy to use to reach a desired temperature. The end result? A cheaper utility bill. The company claims that this thermostat will actually pay for itself in just six months.

The savings can be increased by adding a few of the company’s optional SmartSensors, which cost around $55 per pair. These sensors will teach the thermostat which rooms are used the most, so they’ll get increased temperature regulation.

Ecobee promises that the thermostat is easy to install, but it likely still requires some light wiring. Anyone familiar with smart thermostats should know the drill. The Smart Thermostat Essential will be available at major retailers in March.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/ecobees-smart-thermostat-essential-is-packed-with-features-but-still-affordable-160046079.html?src=rss

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Swimming is one of my favorite things in the whole world. Cleaning a pool, however, is an absolute drag. For my money, pool-cleaning robots are much handier than even standard robovacs. If you have access to a pool, the forthcoming Wybot S3 could ensure you never have to walk around like a doofus with an oversized net ever again.

Announced at CES, the Wybot S3 is an improvement over the S2 in nearly every way. The company says it’s the “first self-docking, self-emptying automatic charging pool cleaning robot.” It includes an automated self-emptying system, which is standard with land-based robovacs but new to water-adjacent models. The unit transfers debris from its body to a 10-liter above ground base station. This bin is big enough to go 30 days without having to be manually emptied. 

Wybot

Another first? The robot charges itself automatically via integrated solar panels. Under optimal sunlight, it’ll suck up around 1.5 hours of runtime per day. If the weather is less than ideal, the unit can also be charged by plugging into a traditional power outlet.

As for the actual cleaning, the unit includes a whole bunch of sensors that help it create a 3D map of the entire “underwater environment.” This lets it plan the most efficient cleaning route and minimizes the chances of blind spots. The company says this is particularly important for irregularly shaped pools. It also comes with a camera that susses out the largest amounts of debris, for improved efficiency and accuracy.

Wybot

The Wybot S3 can be monitored and controlled in real-time via a proprietary app, with a connection that combines Wi-Fi and sonar. The aquatic robovac is available for preorder right now, with shipments going out in the second quarter of the year. However, all of that waterproof tech is gonna cost you. The robot will be priced between $2,500 and $3,000, depending on which options are selected.

Pool cleaning robots have been popping up all over the place lately. A company called Aiper brought an impressive model to CES back in 2023 and the Beatbot Aquasense Pro has been receiving rave reviews.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/the-wybot-s3-just-might-be-the-pool-cleaning-robot-of-your-dreams-140100715.html?src=rss

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HMD took to CES this year to reveal a satellite-based rescue device called the OffGrid. This is a small emergency gadget to keep outdoor enthusiasts safe while exploring remote parts of the world.

The OffGrid uses the L Band satellite radio spectrum to allow users “to connect directly to satellites, even in the world’s most challenging environments.” The device can send texts, which is done via an affiliated app, and shoot out safety pings to friends and loved ones. It can also contact emergency services and share a location.

The portable device can connect to keychains and offers MIL-STD 810H durability. The battery life is stellar, at three days, and it weighs just 60 grams.

HMD

While the OffGrid is budget-friendly, costing $200, there is one major caveat. A subscription is required to use many of this product’s premium features. The Unlimited Plan costs $15 each month and includes unlimited text messages and check-ins, in addition to SOS services. There’s an option for live tracking, but that costs an additional $5 per month.

The Freedom Plan requires a yearly payment of $80 and allows for 350 text messages and unlimited check-ins. This plan also offers live tracking, but at a cost of $0.10 per ping. HMD’s OffGrid will be available sometime this month in the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, with more territories coming later in the year.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/hmds-offgrid-is-a-satellite-based-rescue-device-that-fits-on-a-keychain-130009057.html?src=rss

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Belkin just unveiled a unique bundle at CES 2025 that’s being described as a “comprehensive toolset designed to meet the needs of budding creators.” The appropriately-named Creator Bundle comes with a bunch of useful accessories and “offers everything needed for hands-free recording.”

The bundle ships with wireless mics, a tripod and a magnetic smartphone mount. The pair of tiny wireless clip-on microphones offer a 100m transmission range. They're battery-powered and last up to 5.5 hours per charge (with the included USB-C cable). The mics operate via a handy push-button design, making it easy for folks to mute, record or make adjustments to the sound.

The included tripod reaches 1.7m in height (about 5.5 feet) and the magnetic mount can be adjusted to suit different shooting angles. However, the camera won’t track people as they move around the room, so creators will have to stay in the center of the frame. The company does note that the bundle has been designed to integrate with its previously announced Auto-Tracking Stand Pro, which does track movement, but that costs an extra $180.

Speaking of pricing, Belkin hasn’t announced how much this bundle will cost. That’ll likely come closer to the launch date in May 2025. It will be interesting to see how it compares to wireless microphone options from DJI, Sennheiser and Rode, none of which include bundled tripods.

Update, January 5 2025, 6:18PM ET: This story has been updated to add references to comparable products. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/belkins-new-creator-bundle-at-ces-2025-is-a-diy-kit-for-fledgling-tiktokers-170006163.html?src=rss

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Samsung just announced pending US availability for a new smartphone and fitness tracker. The Galaxy A16 5G and Galaxy Fit3 are both modest devices that are just about perfect for the budget-conscious. These gadgets will be available for purchase in the US on January 9, after becoming available in other parts of the world a couple of months back.

The Galaxy A16 5G is a step up from its predecessor in nearly every way. This is a very good thing, as the Galaxy A15 5G easily found a spot in our list of the best budget Android phones. The A16 features a thinner design and slimmer bezels, all while including a slightly larger screen.

This 6.7” FHD Super AMOLED display boasts 800 nits of peak brightness and a 90Hz refresh rate. It comes equipped with an Exynos 1330 processor, a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast-charging and up to 8GB of RAM. Customers can also choose up to 256GB of internal storage, though it supports microSD cards.

As with many modern smartphones, the cameras are the real stars of the show here. There’s a 50MP rear camera, a 5MP ultra-wide, a 2MP macro lens and a 13MP front camera. That’s a pretty good setup for the price, which starts at just $200. The A16 5G will be available in black and light gray.

Samsung

The Galaxy Fit3 is a fairly bare-bones health tracker that’s described as “the perfect entryway for anyone seeking to begin their health journey.” It offers some decent capabilities, like fall detection and sleep tracking. It even monitors blood oxygen levels, which is something not many trackers do at this price point.

The battery life is great, at 13 days, and the IP68 rating means that it should be able to handle being submerged in water, so long as it’s not taken too deep. The tracker pairs with the Samsung Health app, which allows access to 100 different workout types. The Fit3 costs $60 and comes in a few colors, including gray, silver and gold. These colors apply to both the band and the tracker itself.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsungs-galaxy-a16-5g-phone-and-fit3-tracker-are-coming-the-us-193710051.html?src=rss

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8Bitdo makes some of our favorite controllers for all manner of consoles and gaming rigs, and now you can pick an Xbox controller of theirs up for only $30. The 8Bitdo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox is 33 percent off and down to just about a record-low price. Considering first-party Xbox controllers can be around $60, this is an especially good deal.

This controller may be more affordable, but it's not a cheap knockoff. It’s licensed by Xbox and compatible with the Xbox Series X, Series S, Xbox One and Windows 10 and above; that means you can switch back and forth and use it with your console and PC.

There are two extra buttons on the back that aren’t included with the official controller, which could be useful for mapping (particularly with PC games.) To that end, the controller offers custom button mapping and stick/trigger sensitivity for control over vibration.

The Hall effect joysticks and impulse triggers should increase both durability and sensitivity, while minimizing drift. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack on the back to directly connect to headphones. Other features include a classic d-pad and an enhanced grip.

So what’s the catch? It’s right there in the name. This is a wired controller, which is both a blessing and a curse. Wired controllers offer reduced latency, making them the preferred choice for pro-level gamers, but keep folks tethered to a cable. It ships with a fairly long cable, at nearly ten feet, but the wireless range of a standard Bluetooth controller comes in at around 20 feet.

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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/8bitdos-ultimate-wired-controller-for-xbox-drops-to-only-30-173842385.html?src=rss

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